Han Solo and Chewbacca are swept up in the Rebel Alliance's struggle to free the galaxy from the evil Galactic Empire. These two unlikely heroes help rescue a princess and deliver plans to the Rebels that help them destroy the Empire's Death Star.

Sure to be controversial to many, the new Original Trilogy characters from the Mission Series line reinvents the action figures we grew up with a modernly classic approach. The takes on these figures are quality, but may not have nearly enough bells and whistles for detailed collectors. In fact, some collectors have no interest in seeing characters in this fashion at all. After the years and years of super-articulation, some have risen to a new level of expectation with Hasbro (perhaps rightfully so). But others find them peculiarly interesting and there are even some collectors who are very eager to purchase them. Obviously the gamut runs deep and wide and probably no two collectors will agree on the issue of whether this newfound style of modern action figures was a good idea or not. The collecting world is changing and sadly it’s not for the better. In an effort to put constraints on bleeding costs and find ways to make action figures affordable again, Hasbro has limited how much articulation (and paint operations for that matter) goes into one action figure anymore. Articulation has been “dumbed down” also. Complex ball-jointed points of articulation have been replaced with swivel, and only a fraction of the original articulation that was formerly present is nowhere to be found. Our commentary on this sounds down and may even border on grim. While we are indeed a bit disappointed with the new direction, we have to say that we have been pleasantly surprised with some of the releases. Not all are perfect, but some, like this one, are better than average.

Han Solo And Chewbacca (Death Star) are part of wave 2 of the Mission Series line. Surprisingly, these figures are nicely done, but aren’t without their own share of issues. Han Solo is perhaps the better of the two included here. He has a great head sculpt (which is reminiscent of The Black Series 6” Han Solo (#08) figure in some ways (appearance wise) and a well sculpted costume. He only comes with five points of articulation, and sadly his holster isn’t functioning. All he can do is hold out his pistol straightly in the hopes that he will be able to shoot better than a Stormtrooper in this manner. The paint operations are sloppily applied sadly. You will see scuffs of brown paint on his face, but for some miraculous reason Hasbro was able to apply the facial features without issue. He really has a great look overall. Some may find his body shape slightly off and we may have to agree with you. He is still lean and athletic, but he does come across as having a rotund midsection, but just in the slightest way imaginable. It’s not enough for us to be a distraction or detractor, so we love the figure all the same. It’s a bit depressing when you cannot pose an action figure any which way anymore. Han Solo will not work for those looking to make this rogue scoundrel accomplish any pose possible, but he will look good in a diorama setting, or something other scene you’re trying to configure. He looks good, and that’s all that may matter here. He is proportionate to Chewbacca (and that’s always wonderful), so there isn’t much to complain about here, unless you just can’t accept five points of articulation.

Chewbacca is a little more complex to analyze. We’ll start with his weapon. It’s ironic to us that in a line where Hasbro is striving to reduce costs including the time and money it takes assembly figures that they would include a bowcaster that comes apart in three parts. Holding it together is a little precarious too as the parts don’t firmly snap together. While shooting the photo gallery, the bowcaster came apart multiple times. It’s a nicely sculpted accessory, but it’s been cast in a color that is too light and it falls apart if you look at it the wrong way. We’re still perplexed on why Hasbro didn’t sculpt a one-piece weapon for him. The Chewbacca action figure itself is also interesting. It has excellent features. For instance, the head sculpt is unbelievable and the details in his fur and his over the shoulder satchel are nothing short of impressive. What could be his issue then? Well, Chewbacca has two issues in our opinion. Firstly, he is way too lanky for his own good. Yes, Chewbacca was tall and thin, but his fur gave him some bulk, and that effect is completely missing here. Even his head sculpt looks like it got caught in a vice momentarily. We’re stuck on this and not sure if our eyes are playing tricks on us or if this is the way he is meant to appear, because again, the sculpt is excellent. The other issue with Chewbacca is his coloring. We feel Hasbro fell off the path here. He is much too grayish (or light brown) in color. Perhaps with a little bit more tweaking this would be a fine figure. Right now it’s a good one. Han Solo And Chewbacca (Death Star) should be a hit nonetheless. Hasbro just has to keep the OT goodness coming strong.